Explore the Wild Heart of Southern Tanzania
Experience the remarkable landscapes and wildlife of Southern Tanzania on this 7-Day Tanzania Safari through Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. This itinerary combines the accessible wildlife of Mikumi with the vast, remote wilderness of Ruaha, creating an unforgettable journey for travelers looking for an authentic safari experience away from the busier northern circuit.
From open grasslands and woodland landscapes to dramatic baobab-studded scenery, the safari offers opportunities to encounter elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo and many other species in their natural habitats.
With private game drives, experienced guiding and carefully planned transfers, this safari is ideal for travelers who want to discover two of Southern Tanzania’s outstanding wildlife destinations in one adventure.
Safari Highlights
- Enjoy game drives across Mikumi's open plains and woodland
- Explore Mikumi National Park
- Discover the vast wilderness of Ruaha National Park
- Experience excellent opportunities for elephant and lion sightings
- See giraffes, zebras, buffalo, antelopes and other wildlife
- Enjoy multiple full-day game drives
- Discover Ruaha's spectacular baobab landscapes
- Experience Southern Tanzania away from the busy northern safari circuit
- Private safari with an experienced English-speaking guide
- Combine two distinctive Southern Tanzania ecosystems
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Destination | Main Activity | Overnight |
|---|
| Day 1 | Dar es Salaam → Mikumi | Transfer & afternoon game drive | Mikumi |
| Day 2 | Mikumi National Park | Full-day game drive | Mikumi |
| Day 3 | Mikumi → Ruaha | Scenic transfer to Ruaha | Ruaha |
| Day 4 | Ruaha National Park | Full-day game drive | Ruaha |
| Day 5 | Ruaha National Park | Full-day game drive | Ruaha |
| Day 6 | Ruaha National Park | Full-day game drive | Ruaha |
| Day 7 | Ruaha → Dar es Salaam | Morning game drive & departure | — |
Your Southern Tanzania adventure begins with a journey from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park.
After breakfast, meet your safari guide and begin the drive toward Mikumi. As you leave the city behind, the landscape gradually changes from urban surroundings to rural scenery and eventually to the wilderness surrounding the national park.
Upon arrival in Mikumi, enjoy lunch before heading out for your first afternoon game drive.
Mikumi is known for its open plains and diverse wildlife. During the drive, you may encounter elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas, wildebeest and other species.
As the afternoon progresses, continue exploring the park before heading to your accommodation for dinner and relaxation.
Overnight: Mikumi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a full day exploring Mikumi National Park.
With a full day available, your guide can explore different areas of the park while adapting the route according to wildlife activity and current conditions.
The park's combination of open grasslands, woodland and seasonal water sources creates an excellent environment for wildlife viewing.
Keep an eye out for elephants moving across the plains, giraffes browsing among trees, large herds of buffalo and zebras, as well as predators such as lions when conditions provide an opportunity to see them.
Enjoy a picnic lunch or lodge lunch depending on the day's arrangements before continuing your game drive.
Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Mikumi
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, leave Mikumi and continue your journey toward Ruaha National Park, one of Tanzania's most remarkable wilderness areas.
The journey takes you deeper into Southern Tanzania, with changing landscapes and rural scenery along the way.
Upon arrival in the Ruaha area, check in at your accommodation and enjoy some time to relax.
If time and park-entry arrangements allow, an afternoon game drive can be arranged. Otherwise, enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by the wilderness.
Ruaha is particularly famous for its large elephant population, dramatic landscapes, baobab trees and diverse wildlife.
Overnight: Ruaha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the wilderness of Ruaha National Park.
After an early breakfast, set out for a full-day game drive with your professional safari guide.
Ruaha offers a different atmosphere from Mikumi, with rugged terrain, vast landscapes, woodland, rocky areas and the Great Ruaha River system.
Wildlife you may encounter includes elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, greater kudu, impalas and numerous other species.
Ruaha is also known for its impressive birdlife, making it an excellent destination for travelers interested in wildlife photography and birdwatching.
Return to your accommodation after an exciting day in the wilderness.
Overnight: Ruaha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rise early for another full day of exploration in Ruaha.
Morning hours can provide excellent opportunities for wildlife activity, particularly when temperatures are cooler.
Your guide will select areas to explore based on recent wildlife movements and road conditions. You may visit river areas, open plains and woodland habitats while searching for different species.
Ruaha's landscape is one of its greatest attractions. Giant baobabs, rocky hills and expansive wilderness create dramatic scenery throughout the park.
Enjoy lunch during the day's safari before continuing your exploration into the afternoon.
Overnight: Ruaha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Your final full safari day is dedicated to discovering more of Ruaha's wilderness.
Set out after breakfast for another extended game drive. Having several days in the park allows you to explore different areas rather than rushing from one location to another.
Your guide will continue searching for wildlife while also giving you time to appreciate the landscapes, birdlife and quieter moments of the safari.
Depending on the season and current conditions, you may have opportunities to observe elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelopes and a wide variety of birds.
Return to your accommodation in the evening and enjoy your final night in the Ruaha wilderness.
Overnight: Ruaha
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy an early breakfast before beginning your journey back toward Dar es Salaam.
Depending on your departure schedule, a short morning game drive may be possible before leaving the park.
The drive back provides an opportunity to reflect on your Southern Tanzania adventure, from the open plains of Mikumi to the vast wilderness of Ruaha.
Arrive in Dar es Salaam for your onward journey, marking the end of your 7-Day Tanzania Safari through Mikumi and Ruaha.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
What’s Included & Excluded
What’s Included
- Private safari transportation in a 4x4 safari vehicle
- Professional English-speaking safari guide
- Accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Mikumi National Park entry fees
- Ruaha National Park entry fees
- Private game drives
- Park and conservation fees applicable to the itinerary
- Airport or hotel transfers where specified
- Drinking water during safari
- Government taxes and applicable service charges
What’s Excluded
- International flights
- Domestic flights unless specifically included
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Laundry services
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activities
- Additional accommodation before or after the safari
- Items not specifically listed under “What's Included”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQS
Mikumi provides an accessible introduction to Southern Tanzania's wildlife, while Ruaha offers a much larger and more remote wilderness experience. Combining both parks creates a varied Southern Tanzania safari
Depending on season, habitat and wildlife movements, you may see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, greater kudu, warthogs and many bird species.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed because animals are wild and move freely through the parks
Ruaha is particularly well known for its elephants, making it an excellent destination for travelers interested in observing these impressive animals in their natural environment.
Yes. Dar es Salaam is a convenient starting point for this itinerary, and the safari can also be customized around your arrival and departure arrangements.
Yes. You can extend the safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday, creating a Southern Tanzania wildlife-and-beach itinerary.
Yes. The itinerary provides a good balance of wildlife viewing, comfortable accommodation and multiple game-drive opportunities while introducing travelers to the less-visited Southern Tanzania circuit.
The 7-Day Mikumi and Ruaha Safari is ideal for travelers who want to experience Southern Tanzania without following the traditional Northern Circuit.
Mikumi offers accessible wildlife viewing and scenic open landscapes, while Ruaha provides a deeper wilderness experience with vast landscapes, dramatic scenery and exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation.
Spending four nights in Ruaha also allows a more relaxed safari pace, giving you several opportunities to explore different areas of the park.
Nabaki Safaris, the best tour operator in Tanzania, creates carefully planned safari experiences designed around wildlife, comfort and authentic exploration.
Our Southern Tanzania safaris focus on experienced guiding, reliable logistics, comfortable accommodation and personalized service throughout the journey.
With this Mikumi and Ruaha itinerary, you can experience two distinctive parks while enjoying a private safari designed around your travel preferences.
